Head any direction in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and before you know it, you'll end up on a beautiful beach. But Coki Beach is something else—despite its relatively small size compared to others on the island, it stands out as one of the most popular for leisure travelers. After just a few moments of digging your toes into the warm sand or wading into its welcoming waters, you'll see why it has such a show-stopping reputation as a must-visit spot in the Caribbean. If you're planning your getaway, this guide to Coki Beach digs up all the essential spots to see, things to do, and places to dine. What Sets Coki Beach Apart? While all the beaches on St. Thomas are known for their postcard-perfect views, what sets Coki Beach apart from popular favorites like Magens Bay Beach and Sapphire Beach is its reputation for excellent snorkelling—some of the best in St Thomas! The sandy bottom gives you excellent visibility, and vendors along the beach sell biscuits that you can toss to attract more fish. Coki Beach is also right by Coral World Ocean Park, making it a great spot to pair a beach day with interactive marine encounters, like swimming with sea lions or petting stingrays. Where to Stay Near Coki Beach Along the serene shores of Water Bay, Margaritaville Vacation Club - St. Thomas is your own slice of tropical paradise with swaying palm trees and views of St. John island. It's only a few minutes from Coki Beach and its attractions, making it the perfect setup for endless carefree beach days. When you're not on the sand, hang out by a refreshing pool complete with tropical drinks from the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar and island-inspired dishes at the Margaritaville restaurant. It's your getaway to relax and unwind or turn things up—a Frozen Concoction Maker® right in your suite means the party only slows down when you say so. Snorkeling at Coki Beach: Dive Into Paradise Wading just 10 feet into the water, you'll find clusters of brain coral and elkhorn coral along with delicate sea fans swaying gracefully with the tide. Schools of parrotfish and angelfish dart around their colorful home, and you might also spot other marine life like sea turtles, crabs, and stingrays. It's a magical experience that even beginners can enjoy! But to make the most of this underwater sanctuary, you'll want all the right snorkeling gear. These nearby shops have everything you need for a day of exploration just below the surface. Coki Dive Shop For just $10 a day at Coki Dive Shop, you can rent a complete snorkel set, which includes a mask, snorkel, and fins. For maximum comfort and safety, you can also add a snorkel vest and locker to your rental for an extra $5 each per day. They also offer scuba diving equipment, with daily rental prices varying between $5 to $15, depending on the gear. Sandyspot Sandyspot offers affordable and quality snorkeling gear, where a mask and snorkel combined can be rented for just $5 a day. Additionally, beach escapades are made more convenient with the option to rent a set of fins, towel, mat, swim tube, life jacket, and locker for an additional $5 per day. Sandyspot also caters to sunbathers by offering two beach chairs and an umbrella at a daily rental rate of $20. Activities on the Sand: From Sunbathing to Beach Volleyball If you prefer to admire the ocean from the shore, Coki Beach is perfect for sprawling out on a towel or chair to soak up the sun. The lively atmosphere with music from nearby vendors and the sound of the waves creates a perfect playlist for a relaxing day—all without ever having to dip a toe in the water. If you're in the mood for something more active, gather some friends for a game of beach volleyball on the soft sand, or take a walk along the shoreline to admire the breathtaking ocean views. The beach's relatively smaller size means you'll be in the heart of all the activity so you can pick a spot on the sand to enjoy all day, or move around to find the perfect views for an iconic sunset. Planning Your Visit to Coki Beach Best Times to Visit Coki Beach You can enjoy Coki Beach year-round, as the temperatures are warm all year. But the best time to visit for the weather is during the dry season, which runs from December to about February. Temperatures average at 76 degrees and with a cool sea breeze, it's a picture-perfect tropical destination. April, May, and November won't be as crowded, but you might run into the occasional shower. Tips for a Memorable Beach Day Arrive Early: Rise with the sun and snag that perfect spot on the beach before the crowds roll in. Bring Cash: Keep some cash handy for delightful treats and souvenirs from local vendors who may not take credit cards. Pack Sunscreen: The Caribbean sun shines with intensity, so slather on that sunscreen and let your skin soak up the joy, not the burn. Stay Hydrated: Sip on water as you bask in the sun's glow, especially if you're making a day of it by the waves. Respect Marine Life: While snorkeling or diving, be a gentle visitor. Admire the underwater wonders without touching or disturbing wildlife, preserving their natural charm for everyone to enjoy. More Good Times at Coki Beach: Activities and Attractions When you're ready to pick up the pace, there's plenty to do and see while working on your tan. Coral World Ocean Park A one-of-a-kind experience awaits at Coral World Ocean Park, where you'll have the chance to get up close and personal in encounters with marine life like dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and stingrays. You could spend all day learning about wildlife conservation at this park and even suiting up for a “Snuba”—a snorkel and scuba experience. Or, peer at the unique underwater world from behind glass at the sea observatory, which takes you 15 feet below the surface to a natural coral reef where you can catch glimpses of other sea creatures. Coki Dive Center The Coki Dive Center at Coral World Ocean Park offers guided scuba diving experiences, tailored to accommodate both experts and beginners. The best part is, no certification is needed to participate in these mesmerizing underwater journeys. For more seasoned divers, they provide certified dives by beach and boat and even a thrilling night dive. Stormy Pirates Boat Charters Take on the seas with Stormy Pirates Boat Charters, which offers both public and private boat charter services. Public charters let you choose from unique experiences and themed tours, including snorkeling and visits to quiet coves, with refreshments on board. For a more personalized and exclusive adventure, customize a private charter with boats and catamarans of different sizes. Stormy Pirates also offers snorkel and sunset cruises that take you on two-to-three-hour journeys to different parts of the islands and coves to swim, snorkel, and relax on the boat. Jeep Surfari On land, explore the island like never before in a Jeep Surfari, with a thrilling ride 2.8 miles south through the landscape in a robust 4x4 Jeep under the charge of experienced guides. And you won't be confined to just wheels—you'll also be set loose to snorkel in secluded coves, explore trails, and sightsee on the island. Where to Eat: Restaurants in and Around Coki Beach There's no shortage of fresh island fare, and you'll find plenty of diverse options to satisfy every palate. Margaritaville Restaurant St. Thomas You won't have to go far with a Margaritaville Restaurant right on-site at Margaritaville Vacation Club - St. Thomas. It's a beach party the moment you arrive, with indoor and outdoor seating options and live music to sway the day or night away. A glance at the menu reveals an 'upscale pub' selection featuring a selection of appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches that pair perfectly with your margarita, or whatever your drink of choice may be. Sun & Sea Bar & Grill Sun & Sea Bar & Grill, casually referred to as a 'cute little shack' beach restaurant, has a laid-back beach atmosphere with a friendly and casual vibe that's great for the whole family. It's situated right along the water in Smith Bay on the East End. From their simple and casual menu offerings, take your pick of tacos, burgers, succulent seafood, fries, and plenty of refreshing drinks. Pangea Terra Table Embracing an 'Ocean to Table' philosophy, Pangea Terra Table prides itself on their broad menu that draws inspiration from American, Mediterranean, Asian, Indian, and Mexican cuisines. From appetizers and salads to bowls, fajitas, every main course, side, and dessert—even a fun kids menu—is a celebration of flavor. Their menu includes options with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, so everyone can enjoy. Ocean 180 At Ocean 180, hidden away in the Point Pleasant Resort, you're in for a dining experience that feels like a blissful escape. Imagine enjoying dinner with panoramic 180-degree views that steal the show. It's a meal you'll want to take your time with, savoring gourmet delights from juicy steaks to fresh lobster. Sip on handpicked fine wines or craft cocktails that dance with the flavors of your dish. Tarpon's Table Along the ferry dock, the family friendly restaurant Tarpon's Table is irresistible for its inviting and simple atmosphere. With a menu rich in seasonal and local inspirations, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Known for their diverse offerings of fresh fish dishes, they also do not fall short when it comes to tacos, burgers, sandwiches and light appetizers. The Easterly Step into a sun-kissed paradise with a boho-island environment at The Easterly, where the outdoor patio hugs the ferry dock. Seafood lovers, get ready to be delighted! The menu is packed with wood-fired fish delicacies made from local produce. And don't worry, they haven't forgotten about the craft cocktail enthusiasts or those with other dietary preferences—there are tasty meat options and fresh salads for vegetarians, too. Frequently Asked Questions about Coki Beach Is Coki Beach a Family Friendly Destination? Absolutely! Coki Beach is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers. The calm, shallow waters invite your little ones to splash around safely, while the nearby Coral World Ocean Park offers fun and educational activities for kids of every age. Can You Swim at Coki Beach All Year Round? You bet. Coki Beach welcomes swimmers all year with its warm, inviting waters. No matter when you visit, it's an ideal spot for swimming and soaking up the good vibes of endless summer. Is Coki Beach Suitable for a Party Atmosphere? Coki Beach buzzes with a vibrant, lively energy—especially on weekends and during peak seasons. While it's not the wild party scene, it's got just the right mix of music, drinks, and socializing to make every visit feel like a blissful escape. How Far is Coki Beach from the Resort? Margaritaville Vacation Club - St. Thomas is a half mile from Coki Beach, about a three-minute drive or 11-minute walk. Is There an Entrance Fee for Coki Beach? Coki Beach is free to access. However, if you're coming in a rented vehicle, there is a $5 parking fee. Does Coki Beach have Bathrooms? Coki Beach has bathrooms and changing rooms. Can You Rent Umbrellas and Other Beach Gear? Coki Beach has several vendors that offer rentals for umbrellas, floats, snorkeling gear, and items for purchase such as sunscreen. Set Your Sights on Coki Beach Whether you're drawn in by the spectacular snorkeling, the laid-back yet lively atmosphere, or the fresh island flavors, Coki Beach delivers an unforgettable experience. Plan your next visit to this stunning spot on the Northeast side of St. Thomas and embrace the easygoing, adventurous spirit of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
